I don't doubt all of us have wished at one time or another that we could have an extra day. Every 4 years, that wish is granted on Feb. 29. In my humble opinion, though, we should be allowed to take a rain check and cash it in, say, sometime in the summer when we could use it to shovel out of a big sand trap instead of shoveling out of a slushy winter storm mess!
The big one of the winter dropped a foot of snow Up North in my family's neck of the woods but gave us, as predicted, a lot of ice and slushy build-up on the roads and our driveway.
I suppose I can't totally complain about the "extra" day. When my alarm went off at 5:44 and I saw that every school between here and Iola was closed, I told Carter to go back to bed -- and hubby and I did the same. That was nice to sleep in and just saunter over to my "cubicle" in my PJs with fresh coffee in hand.
I actually had a few hours of work done before Carter decided to get up! It was about that time that Round 2 started. We got more freezing drizzle and light snow throughout the afternoon. Jim left early to drive to the airport and it was mainly rain down toward Madison so he was lucky that way.
We had enough of the wet stuff here, too. After work, I trudged outside with the shovel and it way too heavy to lift. Not worth killing my back over. Plus, I couldn't shovel much anyway since our driveway is mostly under water!! We have a little pond out there that I will have to figure out how to navigate through.
I expect it is turning into to an ice rink as we speak. I just hope all those little Leap frogs got out OK and back to their real pond!
Happy Leap Day!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Leap Eve
By the looks of things, you'd think March is going to come in like a lion. But who knows -- this is only Leap Eve. We have an extra day between now and then so it could change completely before we leap into next month.
At least the weathermen were right about one thing -- this storm system is going to touch every corner of Wisconsin (I'm sure Minnesota, too). I hope they are wrong about the rest, though, especially accumulation amounts. You can see on the radar map that Wisconsin Rapids is right on that all-important dividing line between snow and rain. That can only mean one thing: ice.
But we'll see how things develop tonight. I know one person in this house is really, really hoping for a snow day. And if it means shutting the alarm off and rolling over, make that 3 people!
Early today, it didn't look like anything was going to happen. It was sunny at times with nothing starting until late afternoon. We went into work early so I could tackle the stuff I missed yesterday on my day off. (It sure was a relaxing commute with hubby driving instead of me!) I went to the fitness center over lunch to run since it doesn't look like I can do it outside for awhile.
Tonight we had hoped to go to the high school boys basketball playoff game but they called that off early. Assumption is hosting Wabeno, which is far enough north they didn't want people to have to travel. Right now they have it rescheduled for tomorrow night. We'll see how the day transpires.
It would be nice if we just got an inch of snow and no ice. Hubby is supposed to drive down to Madison and fly to St. Louis tomorrow. It's supposed to just be rain down there but who knows what Old Man Winter will drop between here and there. He's gotta make an impression since he hasn't been around much lately.
Good thing we have this extra day this year to shovel out.
Yeah. Good thing.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Roughing It, Sort Of
I realize that heated cabins and decent meals every day -- and plenty of chocolate on hand -- really isn't roughing it. But when I get home, I realize what I missed.
Well, there's the obvious -- Jim and Carter, even the cat, who I'm sure missed stealing my pillow space at night. I also missed my couch. My computer. My TV.
And enlightening conversations with Carter like this...
Me: Carter, what did you end up getting on that video for German?
Carter: 91.4%
Me: What did she dock you for? Not long enough?
Carter: I don't know. She wrote her notes in German!
He just didn't see why we found that funny!
Ah, it's good to be home.
Well, there's the obvious -- Jim and Carter, even the cat, who I'm sure missed stealing my pillow space at night. I also missed my couch. My computer. My TV.
And enlightening conversations with Carter like this...
Me: Carter, what did you end up getting on that video for German?
Carter: 91.4%
Me: What did she dock you for? Not long enough?
Carter: I don't know. She wrote her notes in German!
He just didn't see why we found that funny!
Ah, it's good to be home.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Goal Tender
I'm proud to say I accomplished my goal for the weekend! I have Internet access!
Well, that's the first goal. I had to stand outside on top of a hill to get it. Now I am freezing so I better blog fast... about the real goal I accomplished.
Just finished Carter's 7th-grade pages for his Middle School album. That was really all I wanted to get done for sure, knowing I'd lose a large chunk of my Saturday going to Carter's basketball tournament. And 31 pages later, it's time to move onto 8th grade!
My break yesterday was well worth it, though. Got to see our first two games of the day. First one we lost by 7 and the next one we won in double-overtime! I know -- what are the chances of two double-OT games in the same week? After that I went back to camp with a detour stop at home to pick up an adult-size sleeping bag. Was in a "cocoon" Friday night sleeping in Carter's bag. Whoops. (We ended up winning our last game by one point in OT to take 5th in the tourney.)
Got back to camp in the late afternoon and scrapped until 1 a.m. Today's first order of business was a 1-hour full-body massage. You're right. Other than the sleeping bag, this isn't your ordinary camp!
The massage gave me a late start to productivity, but I got into a groove. The fun part of scrapping in a group is stealing ideas (scrap-lifting) from others and feeling proud when you can inspire others a time or two. Can't wait to show Carter his book!
I am staying one more night so I will at least get a start on last fall's school fun. Might as well. It's not like this spotty Internet will let me keep tabs on the Oscars or as Carter pointed out, the NBA All-Star game.
Besides I gotta get inside and warm up. My period of roughing it at camp is over!
Well, that's the first goal. I had to stand outside on top of a hill to get it. Now I am freezing so I better blog fast... about the real goal I accomplished.
Just finished Carter's 7th-grade pages for his Middle School album. That was really all I wanted to get done for sure, knowing I'd lose a large chunk of my Saturday going to Carter's basketball tournament. And 31 pages later, it's time to move onto 8th grade!
My break yesterday was well worth it, though. Got to see our first two games of the day. First one we lost by 7 and the next one we won in double-overtime! I know -- what are the chances of two double-OT games in the same week? After that I went back to camp with a detour stop at home to pick up an adult-size sleeping bag. Was in a "cocoon" Friday night sleeping in Carter's bag. Whoops. (We ended up winning our last game by one point in OT to take 5th in the tourney.)
Got back to camp in the late afternoon and scrapped until 1 a.m. Today's first order of business was a 1-hour full-body massage. You're right. Other than the sleeping bag, this isn't your ordinary camp!
The massage gave me a late start to productivity, but I got into a groove. The fun part of scrapping in a group is stealing ideas (scrap-lifting) from others and feeling proud when you can inspire others a time or two. Can't wait to show Carter his book!
I am staying one more night so I will at least get a start on last fall's school fun. Might as well. It's not like this spotty Internet will let me keep tabs on the Oscars or as Carter pointed out, the NBA All-Star game.
Besides I gotta get inside and warm up. My period of roughing it at camp is over!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Back to Camp
I'm heading off to Camp Crop-A-Lot in a few minutes!
I'm excited, but the timing of this scrapbooking retreat is not good -- sandwiched between hubby's two work trips and on the heels of my ongoing anxiety drama. But this will be my 9th year going, so I really can't miss it, can I?
The Camp is at a real camp -- the Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt, just up the road from Iola. I can't recall if we finally had Internet access there last year so this may be my "sign off" until Monday!
I have two, well three, goals in mind for the weekend. One, I will be starting Carter's junior high book and hope to get 7th grade all done. Two, I hope to be able (read: capable) of driving down to Nekoosa tomorrow so I can see part of Carter's last basketball tournament of the year. Three, I hope to relax and think non-stressful, non-anxious thoughts.
In other words, be a happy camper!
I'm excited, but the timing of this scrapbooking retreat is not good -- sandwiched between hubby's two work trips and on the heels of my ongoing anxiety drama. But this will be my 9th year going, so I really can't miss it, can I?
The Camp is at a real camp -- the Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt, just up the road from Iola. I can't recall if we finally had Internet access there last year so this may be my "sign off" until Monday!
I have two, well three, goals in mind for the weekend. One, I will be starting Carter's junior high book and hope to get 7th grade all done. Two, I hope to be able (read: capable) of driving down to Nekoosa tomorrow so I can see part of Carter's last basketball tournament of the year. Three, I hope to relax and think non-stressful, non-anxious thoughts.
In other words, be a happy camper!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Showdown
The stage was set for quite a showdown in the Assumption High School gymnasium tonight.
Our girls hoops team, ranked #2 in the state, hosted Wausau Newman, ranked #1 and the only team to hand us a loss this year -- and that was only by 3 points. At stake was the conference championship. If we beat Wausau, we'd share the conference title with them. If we lost, well, they'd have it all to themselves.
The tension has been building up for this game since that loss waaaay back toward the beginning of the season! This week was like bonus Spirit Week at school, too. Everyone was encouraged to don their Royal Blue and attend tonight's matchup.
And I think they did.
When Carter and I arrived at 6:45 p.m., 45 minutes before tipoff, the gym was already packed. He went off to play in Pep Band and I found my friends who saved me a seat. Thankfully!
We had a pretty sad outing to start with, only scoring 4 points in the first quarter to their 12 and finishing up the first half down 22-13. We were bummed. But the girls rallied big time in the second half and we even took a 2-point lead. On occasion. At the final buzzer, though, we were tied! Overtime, baby!
You didn't even have to cut the tension with a knife. It was so packed and so hot in that gym, it should have melted away. Instead it was more like fuel to a fire. Uff da. This time at the final buzzer, the score was 40-40. Yes, another overtime! Unreal.
Oh I wish I had good news for the final, but we ended up missing some key shots and fell at the final (for real) buzzer, 49-45. So sad.
What a game, though. This is what high school sports are all about. All that school spirit. All that intense interest because these are our kids... or our kids' friends... or our friends' kids! What a great experience to be a part of tonight.
Now we just have to hope we do well enough in playoffs so we face them again. I think third time will be a charm and we can kick their butts! Or just win by a basket. Or even one point. We'd take it!
Whew! Hubby missed a good game. I texted him to keep him in the loop because his plane landed in Madison around the first OT. I'm lucky I beat him home. Now to wind down quickly and get to bed!
Uff da. Seriously.
Our girls hoops team, ranked #2 in the state, hosted Wausau Newman, ranked #1 and the only team to hand us a loss this year -- and that was only by 3 points. At stake was the conference championship. If we beat Wausau, we'd share the conference title with them. If we lost, well, they'd have it all to themselves.
The tension has been building up for this game since that loss waaaay back toward the beginning of the season! This week was like bonus Spirit Week at school, too. Everyone was encouraged to don their Royal Blue and attend tonight's matchup.
And I think they did.
When Carter and I arrived at 6:45 p.m., 45 minutes before tipoff, the gym was already packed. He went off to play in Pep Band and I found my friends who saved me a seat. Thankfully!
We had a pretty sad outing to start with, only scoring 4 points in the first quarter to their 12 and finishing up the first half down 22-13. We were bummed. But the girls rallied big time in the second half and we even took a 2-point lead. On occasion. At the final buzzer, though, we were tied! Overtime, baby!
You didn't even have to cut the tension with a knife. It was so packed and so hot in that gym, it should have melted away. Instead it was more like fuel to a fire. Uff da. This time at the final buzzer, the score was 40-40. Yes, another overtime! Unreal.
Oh I wish I had good news for the final, but we ended up missing some key shots and fell at the final (for real) buzzer, 49-45. So sad.
What a game, though. This is what high school sports are all about. All that school spirit. All that intense interest because these are our kids... or our kids' friends... or our friends' kids! What a great experience to be a part of tonight.
Now we just have to hope we do well enough in playoffs so we face them again. I think third time will be a charm and we can kick their butts! Or just win by a basket. Or even one point. We'd take it!
Whew! Hubby missed a good game. I texted him to keep him in the loop because his plane landed in Madison around the first OT. I'm lucky I beat him home. Now to wind down quickly and get to bed!
Uff da. Seriously.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Amazing Grace
Since I am one of those fickle Lutherans who isn't required to give up something for Lent -- unlike my Catholic better half -- I'm not doing it. In my mind my Lent has come and gone. I've already sacrificed everything from my health to my sanity and quality of living in the first 40+ days of this year.
If God is willing, I'd like to move on from here, please.
Still making progress. My witch doctor (and I told her I call her that) has done some incredible voodoo magic to sweep away some nasty old cobwebs and help me clean house in my mind and soul. (Perhaps one day it will even extend to my real house!)
So today, with hubby half a country away, I was able to drive to and from Iola, run some errands in town, pick Carter up from basketball practice and go to Ash Wednesday service and soup supper at church. Sadly, I couldn't have dreamed of doing those "normal" things just a few weeks ago!
The confirmation students and parents are responsible for serving the soup suppers during Lent and cleanup. We grownups sent the kids upstairs to church while we wrapped up K.P. duty, which took another half hour. So I missed the ashes, but heard the end of the sermon and was there for communion.
Now Sunday, I was unable to take that giant leap forward. My stomach was in such knots and my head was practically spinning at the notion of walking all the way to the front of the church for communion. Tonight, though, I just kept taking deep breaths and praying and, well, singing.
Totally fitting that we were singing Amazing Grace:
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
Grace is amazing, isn't it? I made it up front, albeit a little shaky, took communion and made it safely back to my seat -- and stayed upright. Then we got in the car, and grace did lead us home!
Thanks be to God.
If God is willing, I'd like to move on from here, please.
Still making progress. My witch doctor (and I told her I call her that) has done some incredible voodoo magic to sweep away some nasty old cobwebs and help me clean house in my mind and soul. (Perhaps one day it will even extend to my real house!)
So today, with hubby half a country away, I was able to drive to and from Iola, run some errands in town, pick Carter up from basketball practice and go to Ash Wednesday service and soup supper at church. Sadly, I couldn't have dreamed of doing those "normal" things just a few weeks ago!
The confirmation students and parents are responsible for serving the soup suppers during Lent and cleanup. We grownups sent the kids upstairs to church while we wrapped up K.P. duty, which took another half hour. So I missed the ashes, but heard the end of the sermon and was there for communion.
Now Sunday, I was unable to take that giant leap forward. My stomach was in such knots and my head was practically spinning at the notion of walking all the way to the front of the church for communion. Tonight, though, I just kept taking deep breaths and praying and, well, singing.
Totally fitting that we were singing Amazing Grace:
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
Grace is amazing, isn't it? I made it up front, albeit a little shaky, took communion and made it safely back to my seat -- and stayed upright. Then we got in the car, and grace did lead us home!
Thanks be to God.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Fat Tuesday
It is my fervent hope that this year Fat Tuesday will be followed by Slim Wednesday. But you know what they say about wishing... you can wish in one hand and put chocolate in the other -- and which is going to fill up first?
Or is that empty first?
I really could have gone all out for the "holiday" today and no one would have been the wiser. Hubby left for the airport at 3:30 a.m. Carter went to school at 7 a.m. And it was just me and one final tub of Peppermint ice cream. Tempting, yes. But since it wasn't my Schwan's brand Peppermint Stick ice cream, the temptation passed.
Due to an appointment first thing this morning, I opted to work at home so I wouldn't waste precious time on the commute. When I was eating my usual "10 o'clock banana," I thought, "Wait a minute, why am I eating healthy on Fat Tuesday?" But I didn't stray.
Honest.
I actually had hoped to get out for a walk. But it was snowing and I had too much work to do. That's a good thing. Bad for exercise, but good for snacking. I didn't get too far from the computer until Carter came home.
For our "fat" treat, we made smoothies with fruit and frozen yogurt. We both could really go for a Shamrock Shake, and that still is in the realm of possibility. We are going to town, after all. Our girls basketball team is ranked #2 in the state and we've got two important home games this week. So I'm going to go earn some beads!
Oh wait. I just re-read the memo and it says show your spirit.
My bad.
Go Royals!
Or is that empty first?
I really could have gone all out for the "holiday" today and no one would have been the wiser. Hubby left for the airport at 3:30 a.m. Carter went to school at 7 a.m. And it was just me and one final tub of Peppermint ice cream. Tempting, yes. But since it wasn't my Schwan's brand Peppermint Stick ice cream, the temptation passed.
Due to an appointment first thing this morning, I opted to work at home so I wouldn't waste precious time on the commute. When I was eating my usual "10 o'clock banana," I thought, "Wait a minute, why am I eating healthy on Fat Tuesday?" But I didn't stray.
Honest.
I actually had hoped to get out for a walk. But it was snowing and I had too much work to do. That's a good thing. Bad for exercise, but good for snacking. I didn't get too far from the computer until Carter came home.
For our "fat" treat, we made smoothies with fruit and frozen yogurt. We both could really go for a Shamrock Shake, and that still is in the realm of possibility. We are going to town, after all. Our girls basketball team is ranked #2 in the state and we've got two important home games this week. So I'm going to go earn some beads!
Oh wait. I just re-read the memo and it says show your spirit.
My bad.
Go Royals!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Thank You, Mr. President
For some reason, our company gives us Presidents Day off. I won't fight their decision.
It was nice to sleep in and ease into my Monday! Ran a few errands in town, then hunkered down to business in the Scrap Cave and got everything together for this coming weekend's Camp Crop-A-Lot.
Is it wrong to be counting down to another 3-day weekend before the first one is done? I don't think so.
After I got that together, I did get a little work done. Just had to do it. Hubby actually drove to Iola to do his work -- but he didn't have much choice. He's flying to Florida in the morning (again) so he had to get three days of work done.
This time I won't be so jealous that he's somewhere warm. I really can't complain how mild it is. Today it topped 40. Sunny but quite windy -- which I discovered when I went out for a run. Did 3 miles again but kept to the run/walk schedule. Every time I finish and my hip feels fine, I run up the front steps like I'm Rocky Balboa! It feels like that big of an accomplishment!
After that, I really allowed myself to be lazy. I made supper for Carter -- since Jim is gone to help with baseball signups again -- and now am waiting to watch The Voice. Yes, I have a day off AND I get the remote tonight...
Thank you, Mr. President!
It was nice to sleep in and ease into my Monday! Ran a few errands in town, then hunkered down to business in the Scrap Cave and got everything together for this coming weekend's Camp Crop-A-Lot.
Is it wrong to be counting down to another 3-day weekend before the first one is done? I don't think so.
After I got that together, I did get a little work done. Just had to do it. Hubby actually drove to Iola to do his work -- but he didn't have much choice. He's flying to Florida in the morning (again) so he had to get three days of work done.
This time I won't be so jealous that he's somewhere warm. I really can't complain how mild it is. Today it topped 40. Sunny but quite windy -- which I discovered when I went out for a run. Did 3 miles again but kept to the run/walk schedule. Every time I finish and my hip feels fine, I run up the front steps like I'm Rocky Balboa! It feels like that big of an accomplishment!
After that, I really allowed myself to be lazy. I made supper for Carter -- since Jim is gone to help with baseball signups again -- and now am waiting to watch The Voice. Yes, I have a day off AND I get the remote tonight...
Thank you, Mr. President!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Mild is Good
The sun was shining... the brats and burgers were sizzling on the grill... and Carter was ready to swing his baseball bat.
Sounds like a typical summer day around here. But no, this was a Sunday in February in Wisconsin. I know we could still get dumped on a whole big bunch, but I for one am enjoying this mild winter. And tasting into a good grilled burger made it even better.
I realize that technically, we could grill out all winter. But we can't necessarily stay outside to flip the burgers without freezing. Today I got to stay outside. Not in shorts or anything silly. But a nice light windbreaker. With the sun on my face. Loved it!
That, unfortunately, was my only venture outside.
We got up early and went to church... my first return since I was sick. I didn't faint or anything... but also didn't have the guts to walk up in front and take communion either. It was just good to be back!
After church, we practically had to chain Carter to a chair and make him sit and work on a research paper about the pilgrims all day. While he did that, I worked a little in my Scrap Cave, but mostly kept an eye on Carter and kept his momentum going.
We did take a break at 2 p.m. to work on a German video. Sounded easy enough. Carter had to give a tour of his room and point out some objects and speak in German only. This was only supposed to take 2 minutes. But first, he had to clean his room -- or throw things on the top bunk or under the bed, out of the camera's view. Then he had to write a script and look up words he didn't know. Then he had to memorize it. We sort of cheated, er improvised, here. I taped a big ol' cue card on the front of my shirt and he could sneak peeks at that while I ran the camera. Seemed like an hour's work for a 90-second video. But I suppose that's how commercials work, too. The only thing is I don't know how to edit anything so he had to make the whole thing work in one take. Well, 4 if you count the ones we deleted.
After that, we cruised down to the batting cage, where hubby was helping kids all afternoon. Did a brief stint there then headed over to Jim's sister's house. Our nephew Colin turns 18 tomorrow so we had a birthday gathering for him. Good food, good cake and good visit.
Had to keep it short so Carter could return to his research paper. I hope at least by now the Mayflower has landed.
Sounds like a typical summer day around here. But no, this was a Sunday in February in Wisconsin. I know we could still get dumped on a whole big bunch, but I for one am enjoying this mild winter. And tasting into a good grilled burger made it even better.
I realize that technically, we could grill out all winter. But we can't necessarily stay outside to flip the burgers without freezing. Today I got to stay outside. Not in shorts or anything silly. But a nice light windbreaker. With the sun on my face. Loved it!
That, unfortunately, was my only venture outside.
We got up early and went to church... my first return since I was sick. I didn't faint or anything... but also didn't have the guts to walk up in front and take communion either. It was just good to be back!
After church, we practically had to chain Carter to a chair and make him sit and work on a research paper about the pilgrims all day. While he did that, I worked a little in my Scrap Cave, but mostly kept an eye on Carter and kept his momentum going.
We did take a break at 2 p.m. to work on a German video. Sounded easy enough. Carter had to give a tour of his room and point out some objects and speak in German only. This was only supposed to take 2 minutes. But first, he had to clean his room -- or throw things on the top bunk or under the bed, out of the camera's view. Then he had to write a script and look up words he didn't know. Then he had to memorize it. We sort of cheated, er improvised, here. I taped a big ol' cue card on the front of my shirt and he could sneak peeks at that while I ran the camera. Seemed like an hour's work for a 90-second video. But I suppose that's how commercials work, too. The only thing is I don't know how to edit anything so he had to make the whole thing work in one take. Well, 4 if you count the ones we deleted.
After that, we cruised down to the batting cage, where hubby was helping kids all afternoon. Did a brief stint there then headed over to Jim's sister's house. Our nephew Colin turns 18 tomorrow so we had a birthday gathering for him. Good food, good cake and good visit.
Had to keep it short so Carter could return to his research paper. I hope at least by now the Mayflower has landed.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Lucky #7
It took 7 weekends on the new calendar, but things are finally turning around!
To begin with, it's our first weekend of the year that we haven't had anything going on -- no hoops tournaments, no travel plans, no time in the sick ward, no nuthin'.
This is nice. We slept in 'til 8 and started the day off with a blueberry Butter Braid. There's almost no better way to start a Saturday!
I got my "chores" done and really could have done a massive Spring Cleaning today. It was sunny and bright and seemed like it should have been 50 degrees out. I was ready to open all the windows and get busy. But then I saw on the Weather Channel it was only 29 degrees. That deceiving sunshine!
That didn't stop me from venturing outside. I got my running gear on and went for a 3-mile run/walk. I'm still easing into it with some walking, but that's the longest I have gone in 2012 and, thanks to my foam roller, my hip felt fine. As an added treat, my neighbor and I just happened to meet up at the corner --she was running with her dog -- so we got to run the last half mile together. And visit, of course. That was nice.
Feeling positive about things, I ventured into town on my own, shopped at Wal-Mart on my own, gassed up and got our Powerball tickets set on my own. I know it feels like forever and a day since I have been able to just do these simple tasks on my own, but it's only been 7 weeks. That's not forever. And soon it will just be some memory of the worst start to a year. Ever.
Then I'll have to scrapbook about it!!
But first things first. I am possibly going to Camp Crop-A-Lot next weekend. I think this would be my 9th year so I hate to miss it. Since I am caught up on my chronological family albums, my plan is to work on Carter's Middle School scrapbook -- starting with 7th grade and getting what I can done for 8th grade. I have most of that stuff set aside but I spent tonight tracking down pictures that I had uploaded but never printed.
So tomorrow I'll be picking up some fall of 2010 soccer pictures, etc., from Walgreens and getting items organized in my scrap cave. The way it looks, Middle School pages will be enough to keep me busy for camp. Camp runs next Friday to Monday, but I will likely drive down to Nekoosa on Saturday for Carter's last basketball tournament if I can swing that.
Yes, another busy, overbooked weekend on the horizon. That's why we feel lucky this 7th one is wide open.
Did I mention it's 3 days, too?
I hope this luck runs over into the Powerball!
To begin with, it's our first weekend of the year that we haven't had anything going on -- no hoops tournaments, no travel plans, no time in the sick ward, no nuthin'.
This is nice. We slept in 'til 8 and started the day off with a blueberry Butter Braid. There's almost no better way to start a Saturday!
I got my "chores" done and really could have done a massive Spring Cleaning today. It was sunny and bright and seemed like it should have been 50 degrees out. I was ready to open all the windows and get busy. But then I saw on the Weather Channel it was only 29 degrees. That deceiving sunshine!
That didn't stop me from venturing outside. I got my running gear on and went for a 3-mile run/walk. I'm still easing into it with some walking, but that's the longest I have gone in 2012 and, thanks to my foam roller, my hip felt fine. As an added treat, my neighbor and I just happened to meet up at the corner --she was running with her dog -- so we got to run the last half mile together. And visit, of course. That was nice.
Feeling positive about things, I ventured into town on my own, shopped at Wal-Mart on my own, gassed up and got our Powerball tickets set on my own. I know it feels like forever and a day since I have been able to just do these simple tasks on my own, but it's only been 7 weeks. That's not forever. And soon it will just be some memory of the worst start to a year. Ever.
Then I'll have to scrapbook about it!!
But first things first. I am possibly going to Camp Crop-A-Lot next weekend. I think this would be my 9th year so I hate to miss it. Since I am caught up on my chronological family albums, my plan is to work on Carter's Middle School scrapbook -- starting with 7th grade and getting what I can done for 8th grade. I have most of that stuff set aside but I spent tonight tracking down pictures that I had uploaded but never printed.
So tomorrow I'll be picking up some fall of 2010 soccer pictures, etc., from Walgreens and getting items organized in my scrap cave. The way it looks, Middle School pages will be enough to keep me busy for camp. Camp runs next Friday to Monday, but I will likely drive down to Nekoosa on Saturday for Carter's last basketball tournament if I can swing that.
Yes, another busy, overbooked weekend on the horizon. That's why we feel lucky this 7th one is wide open.
Did I mention it's 3 days, too?
I hope this luck runs over into the Powerball!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Kickin' Brass
Carter's school played host to the area Solo & Ensemble competition today. Some 600 middle and high schoolers with varying degrees of musical talent descended upon Assumption around sunrise and kept judges and volunteers hopping throughout the day.
Among the first in the door were Jim and me. Since it is such a huge undertaking to host this, all music student parents were encouraged to volunteer in some capacity. We took the only thing that fit in our schedule -- working concessions from 6 a.m. (not kidding) to 8 a.m. -- and allowed us to get to work.
We probably had the easiest shift, doing all the setup and prepping for the day. The hard part came after we left. And I'm not talking about selling bagels and puppy chow. I'm talking about performance.
Carter played in three ensembles today -- a large all-brass ensemble, a double trio with low brass and woodwinds, and a duet pairing his big bad baritone with his friend Mason's trumpet. Despite his recent thoughts of quitting band, Carter does have a natural talent for tooting his horn and, therefore, showed no signs of angst about performing before a judge. He's quite confident in his abilities and should be.
After the first ensemble, he texted me at work and said it went well. That was the last I heard from him until the end of the day when he informed me he got a first-place ranking in all 3 ensembles! Now he wasn't ranked against other ensembles necessarily, but more on what the judges expected to hear and hoped to hear in an optimum performance. At the high school level, if they get a first, they go onto state. For middle school level music, a first at this competition today is the best they can do. Awesome!
After his duet, Carter said the judge said there was only one thing about the song she didn't like -- "And that was that there weren't more people there to hear it!" What a compliment! We are so proud of him.
He's kickin' brass and takin' names!
Among the first in the door were Jim and me. Since it is such a huge undertaking to host this, all music student parents were encouraged to volunteer in some capacity. We took the only thing that fit in our schedule -- working concessions from 6 a.m. (not kidding) to 8 a.m. -- and allowed us to get to work.
We probably had the easiest shift, doing all the setup and prepping for the day. The hard part came after we left. And I'm not talking about selling bagels and puppy chow. I'm talking about performance.
Carter played in three ensembles today -- a large all-brass ensemble, a double trio with low brass and woodwinds, and a duet pairing his big bad baritone with his friend Mason's trumpet. Despite his recent thoughts of quitting band, Carter does have a natural talent for tooting his horn and, therefore, showed no signs of angst about performing before a judge. He's quite confident in his abilities and should be.
After the first ensemble, he texted me at work and said it went well. That was the last I heard from him until the end of the day when he informed me he got a first-place ranking in all 3 ensembles! Now he wasn't ranked against other ensembles necessarily, but more on what the judges expected to hear and hoped to hear in an optimum performance. At the high school level, if they get a first, they go onto state. For middle school level music, a first at this competition today is the best they can do. Awesome!
After his duet, Carter said the judge said there was only one thing about the song she didn't like -- "And that was that there weren't more people there to hear it!" What a compliment! We are so proud of him.
He's kickin' brass and takin' names!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Briefing Room
Some Thursday briefs for you...
Deadlining: Apparently Carter likes to write on deadline, too. It was bedtime last night and he said he "just had a health paper left." As in he had to write and type a page-long paper that I'm not sure he had done any research for yet. But since the topic was Mood Disorders, I wisely kept my mouth shut and went to bed. (He did get it done, but I don't know what time.)
A New F Word: I decided my new Foam Roller could be used as a weapon to interrogate or torture terrorists. Yes, it does cause that much pain. But oh, it is so worth it. For the first time in 3 months, I got up out of bed this morning and absolutely nothing hurt! It's easy to use. You just roll your hip and leg over it and pause once in awhile in the real tender spots -- which for me is the entire hip to knee area. When you pause and it feels like someone is drilling into you, 30 seconds is a long time! This little device can instill labor-like pain but it is a miracle worker. Now I just have to keep using it so I can keep running.
Batter Up: Hubby had to work the baseball signups last night for the Rapids league. For the first time in many years, he is not coaching. He's got his reason. So now we have to cross our fingers someone drafts Carter (well, that's guaranteed with our entry fee) and that he is worth the signing bonus! The weird thing will be that there's a chance I won't be joined at the hip (my good one) to my fellow Coaches Wives Club member Christine. It will also be weird not cooking, er keeping, the books, too. Maybe I can just sit back and relax!
This Message Brought to You By: Of course, with Carter's baseball signup comes a box of World's Finest Chocolate candy bars! For just $1 you can get your hands (and mouth) on a Milk Chocolate, Almond, Crisp or Caramel bar PLUS get a coupon for free bread sticks at Pizza Hut. How can you turn that down? Well thanks to my ingenious marketing skills, I did sell half the box at work already. So if you want one before they're gone, speak now or forever hold your peace.
Or just until the next fundraiser.
Deadlining: Apparently Carter likes to write on deadline, too. It was bedtime last night and he said he "just had a health paper left." As in he had to write and type a page-long paper that I'm not sure he had done any research for yet. But since the topic was Mood Disorders, I wisely kept my mouth shut and went to bed. (He did get it done, but I don't know what time.)
A New F Word: I decided my new Foam Roller could be used as a weapon to interrogate or torture terrorists. Yes, it does cause that much pain. But oh, it is so worth it. For the first time in 3 months, I got up out of bed this morning and absolutely nothing hurt! It's easy to use. You just roll your hip and leg over it and pause once in awhile in the real tender spots -- which for me is the entire hip to knee area. When you pause and it feels like someone is drilling into you, 30 seconds is a long time! This little device can instill labor-like pain but it is a miracle worker. Now I just have to keep using it so I can keep running.
Batter Up: Hubby had to work the baseball signups last night for the Rapids league. For the first time in many years, he is not coaching. He's got his reason. So now we have to cross our fingers someone drafts Carter (well, that's guaranteed with our entry fee) and that he is worth the signing bonus! The weird thing will be that there's a chance I won't be joined at the hip (my good one) to my fellow Coaches Wives Club member Christine. It will also be weird not cooking, er keeping, the books, too. Maybe I can just sit back and relax!
This Message Brought to You By: Of course, with Carter's baseball signup comes a box of World's Finest Chocolate candy bars! For just $1 you can get your hands (and mouth) on a Milk Chocolate, Almond, Crisp or Caramel bar PLUS get a coupon for free bread sticks at Pizza Hut. How can you turn that down? Well thanks to my ingenious marketing skills, I did sell half the box at work already. So if you want one before they're gone, speak now or forever hold your peace.
Or just until the next fundraiser.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Deadline Smeadline
For a person who makes a living on deadlines, I sure am lax about it after hours.
A year ago, I heard about a writing competition I figured was right up my alley. The problem was that I learned about it after the fact and missed any opportunity to participate. Late last week, I remembered to look it up for 2012. Turns out the deadline was to be Valentine's Day so I had a few days to come up with an entry.
The contest was named after Erma Bombeck, who I fashion to be an influence of sorts, and the word count was merely 450 words. Well that it easy, I said to myself. All I have to do is pick a blog and submit it. So easy, right?
Well I had 2 things working against me: time and volume.
My search time was limited because we were gone all of Friday, Saturday and Monday -- and I was feeling "blah" on Sunday. The volume challenge was that I have written 1,659 blogs. Oh yes I have! I am coming up on the 5-year anniversary of a daily spewing of words and I am supposed to remember the good ones??
My head was spinning.
I gave it lots of thought and had some in mind. My plan was to set aside Tuesday evening -- all of it -- to get one chosen and submitted before midnight. I thought my biggest problem was a late start since my in-laws were over until 7:30. But that wasn't it.
When I looked online to double-check what format they needed, it said in huge red glaring letters: Competition Closed.
Grrr. Foiled again.
Well, as much as I usually pay attention to details, I overlooked the actual time of the deadline. It was not midnight. Not even close. It was 7:59 a.m. EST. I didn't have a chance.
I was bummed but it's my own fault. I did take some positives from this experience, though. Because, well, that is what I try to do.
First, I am darn proud I could actually ramble on in some coherent fashion 1,659 times (1,660 if you count this one)!
Secondly, I realize there are a lot of writing competitions out there that I still have time to enter. It happens my company holds some of the largest ones but as an employee, I am ineligible. Fortunately, there are lots of others to choose from.
Third, this just motivates me to write more! Whether it's Erma style or something else, I am going to keep going.
The worst that could happen is I miss another deadline. And what are the chances of that??
Oops. Gotta run. Don't want to be late to pick up Carter...
A year ago, I heard about a writing competition I figured was right up my alley. The problem was that I learned about it after the fact and missed any opportunity to participate. Late last week, I remembered to look it up for 2012. Turns out the deadline was to be Valentine's Day so I had a few days to come up with an entry.
The contest was named after Erma Bombeck, who I fashion to be an influence of sorts, and the word count was merely 450 words. Well that it easy, I said to myself. All I have to do is pick a blog and submit it. So easy, right?
Well I had 2 things working against me: time and volume.
My search time was limited because we were gone all of Friday, Saturday and Monday -- and I was feeling "blah" on Sunday. The volume challenge was that I have written 1,659 blogs. Oh yes I have! I am coming up on the 5-year anniversary of a daily spewing of words and I am supposed to remember the good ones??
My head was spinning.
I gave it lots of thought and had some in mind. My plan was to set aside Tuesday evening -- all of it -- to get one chosen and submitted before midnight. I thought my biggest problem was a late start since my in-laws were over until 7:30. But that wasn't it.
When I looked online to double-check what format they needed, it said in huge red glaring letters: Competition Closed.
Grrr. Foiled again.
Well, as much as I usually pay attention to details, I overlooked the actual time of the deadline. It was not midnight. Not even close. It was 7:59 a.m. EST. I didn't have a chance.
I was bummed but it's my own fault. I did take some positives from this experience, though. Because, well, that is what I try to do.
First, I am darn proud I could actually ramble on in some coherent fashion 1,659 times (1,660 if you count this one)!
Secondly, I realize there are a lot of writing competitions out there that I still have time to enter. It happens my company holds some of the largest ones but as an employee, I am ineligible. Fortunately, there are lots of others to choose from.
Third, this just motivates me to write more! Whether it's Erma style or something else, I am going to keep going.
The worst that could happen is I miss another deadline. And what are the chances of that??
Oops. Gotta run. Don't want to be late to pick up Carter...
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Love Lifted Me
Just because it's Valentine's Day doesn't mean I have get all mushy.
But I will.
I told hubby not to get me anything for Valentine's Day. And I meant it. Sure, there's lots of times we say that, don't mean it and secretly hope for something big. But not this time. I told him he's already given me my gift this year... carting my butt around, comforting me after my meltdowns and holding my hand while I take my baby steps.
That really has been the greatest gift.
But I won't turn down my Tony Stewart tin of popcorn or that "Let's pretend I'm somewhere warm" tanning package. I also got a genuine "Even though I'm a moody teenager, I still love you" hug.
I can feel the love! And it feels good!
Really, it was a good day. Typical busy stuff at work, then we had to stop and pick up the car at the shop, where they were resetting some computer gauge. The plan was that we'd pick Carter up, go to the garage, drop Jim off so he could drive the car to a friend's and ride up to Stratford for the boys' basketball game... while Carter and I have a Valentine's dinner date in town.
Well we did pick Carter up and hubby noted, while pointing to the orange light, "You'll have to get gas soon." Oh boy. I don't need any added stress while driving! So we drop Jim off and head to the gas station first. Didn't get far before he called and said I had to come back and unlock the car. Really? I was getting a little concerned about back-tracking when we hadn't made it to the gas station yet. But we went back and did a drive-by unlocking with Carter holding the key out the window. That worked so we kept going. Then my phone rings again and Jim said to wait where we are because he forgot two things in the back seat that he needed for the game. So we turn around and thankfully didn't have long to wait.
Yes, I did make it to the gas station OK. Meanwhile, Carter couldn't decide where to eat, so we just went through Culver's drive-thru to save time. I got his food and realized I never ordered for myself. Some dinner date.
Since I was feeling ultra-confident after last night's shopping spree (ha), I stopped at Wal-Mart to get a few groceries -- and also found a foam roller, which is a painful but helpful rehabilitation tool for my hip and IT band. I am game for anything to keep me moving forward to Square Two, you know!
While I was in the store, my mother-in-law called and said they were coming out to the house to drop off Carter's Valentine and cookies. So we booked it home and entertained guests just long enough to miss Glee (which I will catch later) but not too long that it interfered with homework, laundry or work on the foam roller.
It wouldn't have been a romantic evening if Jim has stayed home anyway. This is not the kind of moaning and groaning he likes.
Of course, he does miss first dibbs on the cookies -- that Carter hasn't decided yet if he will share. It won't break my heart if he doesn't. You oughta know by now my heart belongs to ice cream first.
Oh, I mean Jim first... Honest!
Happy Valentine's Day!
But I will.
I told hubby not to get me anything for Valentine's Day. And I meant it. Sure, there's lots of times we say that, don't mean it and secretly hope for something big. But not this time. I told him he's already given me my gift this year... carting my butt around, comforting me after my meltdowns and holding my hand while I take my baby steps.
That really has been the greatest gift.
But I won't turn down my Tony Stewart tin of popcorn or that "Let's pretend I'm somewhere warm" tanning package. I also got a genuine "Even though I'm a moody teenager, I still love you" hug.
I can feel the love! And it feels good!
Really, it was a good day. Typical busy stuff at work, then we had to stop and pick up the car at the shop, where they were resetting some computer gauge. The plan was that we'd pick Carter up, go to the garage, drop Jim off so he could drive the car to a friend's and ride up to Stratford for the boys' basketball game... while Carter and I have a Valentine's dinner date in town.
Well we did pick Carter up and hubby noted, while pointing to the orange light, "You'll have to get gas soon." Oh boy. I don't need any added stress while driving! So we drop Jim off and head to the gas station first. Didn't get far before he called and said I had to come back and unlock the car. Really? I was getting a little concerned about back-tracking when we hadn't made it to the gas station yet. But we went back and did a drive-by unlocking with Carter holding the key out the window. That worked so we kept going. Then my phone rings again and Jim said to wait where we are because he forgot two things in the back seat that he needed for the game. So we turn around and thankfully didn't have long to wait.
Yes, I did make it to the gas station OK. Meanwhile, Carter couldn't decide where to eat, so we just went through Culver's drive-thru to save time. I got his food and realized I never ordered for myself. Some dinner date.
Since I was feeling ultra-confident after last night's shopping spree (ha), I stopped at Wal-Mart to get a few groceries -- and also found a foam roller, which is a painful but helpful rehabilitation tool for my hip and IT band. I am game for anything to keep me moving forward to Square Two, you know!
While I was in the store, my mother-in-law called and said they were coming out to the house to drop off Carter's Valentine and cookies. So we booked it home and entertained guests just long enough to miss Glee (which I will catch later) but not too long that it interfered with homework, laundry or work on the foam roller.
It wouldn't have been a romantic evening if Jim has stayed home anyway. This is not the kind of moaning and groaning he likes.
Of course, he does miss first dibbs on the cookies -- that Carter hasn't decided yet if he will share. It won't break my heart if he doesn't. You oughta know by now my heart belongs to ice cream first.
Oh, I mean Jim first... Honest!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Square Two
You ever notice people always talk about Square One but they never mention Square Two? Do people go back to Square One and just stay there? I don't think so.
This year, I feel like I'm back at Square One for a lot things... driving, running, dieting, you name it. Today, for the first time, I feel like I just might be edging toward Square Two.
I drove us to work today. Hubby was silent so I could feel like I was doing it on my own, but I know the reason I was more confident is because he was right next to me. Oh, I kept my eyes on the road but out of the corner of my eye, I could see him. And that was good. (I let him drive home, though!)
At noon, I went over to the fitness center. I might regret this tomorrow, but I decided today is the day I am going to get back on the run again. I really haven't been able to run for 3 months now. No, my hip isn't all better, but I've lost patience and need to get going again. So it really is back at Square One. I have to alternate running and walking again. I need to take it slow to avoid further injury or setback. I just went 30 minutes on the treadmill and it felt good. Hello, endorphins! Long time no see!
Tonight, I took a major move into Square Two. I drove myself into town -- in the snow -- and went into Wal-Mart all by myself. Yes, this is the first time in 2012 I have done this. And I probably wouldn't have forced myself if tomorrow wasn't Valentine's Day! I had to get something for these wonderfully supportive men in the house. Chocolate works.
I was just relieved I could handle that with really no anxiety -- other than the typical feelings of angst a driver experiences in winter. So that was good. No. That was great.
It makes me wonder what Square Three feels like. I bet pretty darn good.
This year, I feel like I'm back at Square One for a lot things... driving, running, dieting, you name it. Today, for the first time, I feel like I just might be edging toward Square Two.
I drove us to work today. Hubby was silent so I could feel like I was doing it on my own, but I know the reason I was more confident is because he was right next to me. Oh, I kept my eyes on the road but out of the corner of my eye, I could see him. And that was good. (I let him drive home, though!)
At noon, I went over to the fitness center. I might regret this tomorrow, but I decided today is the day I am going to get back on the run again. I really haven't been able to run for 3 months now. No, my hip isn't all better, but I've lost patience and need to get going again. So it really is back at Square One. I have to alternate running and walking again. I need to take it slow to avoid further injury or setback. I just went 30 minutes on the treadmill and it felt good. Hello, endorphins! Long time no see!
Tonight, I took a major move into Square Two. I drove myself into town -- in the snow -- and went into Wal-Mart all by myself. Yes, this is the first time in 2012 I have done this. And I probably wouldn't have forced myself if tomorrow wasn't Valentine's Day! I had to get something for these wonderfully supportive men in the house. Chocolate works.
I was just relieved I could handle that with really no anxiety -- other than the typical feelings of angst a driver experiences in winter. So that was good. No. That was great.
It makes me wonder what Square Three feels like. I bet pretty darn good.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Hoop-la
Are you ready for some hoop-la? How about some hoop photos? Was pleasantly surprised I had a few turn out from yesterday's tournament...
Here Carter inbounds the ball. During tournaments, this is always a challenge for whoever is tasked with throwing in it in. The other teams press and play tough defense, trying to prevent us from getting it to our own players. Of course, we try that, too!
Carter tries to get past a player from Rib Lake, who we defeated in our matchup.
Looking for someone to pass it to... or shoot. In this case, he passed it.
Here he attempts a 3-point shot. No, he's never made one, but he's got some hops, doesn't he?
Hoping this shot goes in, Carter is denied. Dang.
Playing tough defense vs. Wittenberg-Birnamwood, who we defeated by 20 points!
Carter forces a turnover... and didn't get a foul.
Carter did draw a foul and headed to the free-throw line with just 2 minutes to go. He shoots...
And...
He scores!!
The guys hoist their big 3rd-place ribbons! They were all smiles after their mammoth final win.
Here Carter inbounds the ball. During tournaments, this is always a challenge for whoever is tasked with throwing in it in. The other teams press and play tough defense, trying to prevent us from getting it to our own players. Of course, we try that, too!
Carter tries to get past a player from Rib Lake, who we defeated in our matchup.
Looking for someone to pass it to... or shoot. In this case, he passed it.
Here he attempts a 3-point shot. No, he's never made one, but he's got some hops, doesn't he?
Hoping this shot goes in, Carter is denied. Dang.
Playing tough defense vs. Wittenberg-Birnamwood, who we defeated by 20 points!
Carter forces a turnover... and didn't get a foul.
Carter did draw a foul and headed to the free-throw line with just 2 minutes to go. He shoots...
And...
He scores!!
The guys hoist their big 3rd-place ribbons! They were all smiles after their mammoth final win.Let's hope the momentum carries to the next and final tournament in 2 weeks. I'll bring the camera!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Middle of the Pack
We hosted our 8th-grade basketball tournament today so that meant we parents set up last night and worked concessions and everything else all day. Sure the boys played hard in 4 games today, but we're just as beat... 16 hours later when we are finally home.
What a day. Tournament days are always long days but I forget how standing for long periods of time is not friendly to my legs and back. That was my teeny sacrifice, though. It was all worth it to pull off a successfully run tourney -- and come home with a ribbon!
After going 2-2 today -- including an awesome final game with a 20-point win -- we finished right in the middle of the pack, taking 3rd out of 5 teams. Because the last game was such a fun victory (it's always fun when you're winning by a bunch), the boys didn't mind at all. Third was fine. They were pumped to finish on a strong note.
And our boy was pumped he got to play a lot and sunk 2 free throws in the last few minutes. That was our excitement for the tournament, believe me. And, since the 8th-grade girls team had just completed a tourney in Marshfield and stopped by the school, he scored his points in front of a large, supportive, screaming audience. That definitely made it even sweeter, no doubt.
When it was all wrapped up, we had to clean up and put the school back in order -- then go out to eat. So technically, we could have been home 3 hours ago, but we had a good meal and socializing at The Ridges.
We're all wiped now and I bet Carter fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. I am not far behind. I'll have to download pictures tomorrow and see what we got. I think I managed to capture a few good ones.
I should hope so. I had ALL day.
What a day. Tournament days are always long days but I forget how standing for long periods of time is not friendly to my legs and back. That was my teeny sacrifice, though. It was all worth it to pull off a successfully run tourney -- and come home with a ribbon!
After going 2-2 today -- including an awesome final game with a 20-point win -- we finished right in the middle of the pack, taking 3rd out of 5 teams. Because the last game was such a fun victory (it's always fun when you're winning by a bunch), the boys didn't mind at all. Third was fine. They were pumped to finish on a strong note.
And our boy was pumped he got to play a lot and sunk 2 free throws in the last few minutes. That was our excitement for the tournament, believe me. And, since the 8th-grade girls team had just completed a tourney in Marshfield and stopped by the school, he scored his points in front of a large, supportive, screaming audience. That definitely made it even sweeter, no doubt.
When it was all wrapped up, we had to clean up and put the school back in order -- then go out to eat. So technically, we could have been home 3 hours ago, but we had a good meal and socializing at The Ridges.
We're all wiped now and I bet Carter fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. I am not far behind. I'll have to download pictures tomorrow and see what we got. I think I managed to capture a few good ones.
I should hope so. I had ALL day.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Worthy Cause
I'm pretty sure Carter was in pre-school when we had our first fundraiser and there hasn't been much lag time between one and the next ever since. These days they frown upon the door-to-door sales approach, so we are left to guilting our families and co-workers into purchasing something they don't want or need.
Except chocolate. Candy bars always sell out!
At Carter's current school, they are putting some of the onus on the students themselves. For example, if they are raising money for their favorite orphanage in Peru, kids can pay $2 to "dress down" for the day -- that's private school lingo for "non-dress code." Trust me, they raise a lot of easy money that way!
They seek funding for in-house causes, too. At Christmastime, the Student Council sold "candy-grams" to students and it was pretty successful. This month, the Yearbook staff is trying to raise money selling Valentines. Carter -- a staff member -- said that with just 2 school days left before the big holiday, sales are going pretty slowly. So this morning, he taps his pocketful of change and says, "I'm gonna help out."
Oh really? Do you have someone in mind that you're going to "donate" a Valentine to?
"No. Not really."
Liar. I mean really, how stupid does he think we are? Well, he's a teenager so I guess pretty stupid. We should just shut our mouths like good parents and be happy he is supporting a worthy cause, right?
Who knows, some day he may save the world.
Probably for some cute little blonde with dimples... Sigh.
Except chocolate. Candy bars always sell out!
At Carter's current school, they are putting some of the onus on the students themselves. For example, if they are raising money for their favorite orphanage in Peru, kids can pay $2 to "dress down" for the day -- that's private school lingo for "non-dress code." Trust me, they raise a lot of easy money that way!
They seek funding for in-house causes, too. At Christmastime, the Student Council sold "candy-grams" to students and it was pretty successful. This month, the Yearbook staff is trying to raise money selling Valentines. Carter -- a staff member -- said that with just 2 school days left before the big holiday, sales are going pretty slowly. So this morning, he taps his pocketful of change and says, "I'm gonna help out."
Oh really? Do you have someone in mind that you're going to "donate" a Valentine to?
"No. Not really."
Liar. I mean really, how stupid does he think we are? Well, he's a teenager so I guess pretty stupid. We should just shut our mouths like good parents and be happy he is supporting a worthy cause, right?
Who knows, some day he may save the world.
Probably for some cute little blonde with dimples... Sigh.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Cooties!
Whatever happened to boys and girls not liking each other until oh, maybe 9th or 10th grade? We always thought: Who wants boy germs? Boys have cooties!!
If only.
Things are different now. That's what our parents said, too, right? Everything is happening at a "much younger age" than when I was growing up.
But we know that's not really true. We just have a different perspective as the grownup now. I know when I look back in my old diaries, I was 13 and liking a different boy every week. Girls were fickle then and they are now. Boys may be, too, but I didn't have that angle.
Compared to other school years, Carter has been pretty secretive this year about who he likes and doesn't like. But a mom knows things. Frankly, he doesn't really hide it well.
For example, tonight we had to work concessions at the high school boys basketball game. When Carter called me at work when he got home from school, I suggested he just stay home and do homework because we would be at the school from 5:15 to 8:45 probably. "But everyone's going!" Then you better get your homework done by the time we get home at 4:55 p.m., I said.
When I called him when we were about 10 minutes away, he wasn't done but said he would bring it with to school and finish it there before the high school game. (How motivated!) I said he also better play in Pep Band, too, as long as he was going to be there early. He agreed but quite reluctantly -- I guess because it would cut into time with the girls.
How do I know this? Not really any super detective work. Just walked into the house and it smelled like someone took a bath in cologne.
Apparently that is what boys do to kill their cooties because the 4 girls that hovered around him at the game were not afraid.
Darn it all. Not afraid one bit.
If only.
Things are different now. That's what our parents said, too, right? Everything is happening at a "much younger age" than when I was growing up.
But we know that's not really true. We just have a different perspective as the grownup now. I know when I look back in my old diaries, I was 13 and liking a different boy every week. Girls were fickle then and they are now. Boys may be, too, but I didn't have that angle.
Compared to other school years, Carter has been pretty secretive this year about who he likes and doesn't like. But a mom knows things. Frankly, he doesn't really hide it well.
For example, tonight we had to work concessions at the high school boys basketball game. When Carter called me at work when he got home from school, I suggested he just stay home and do homework because we would be at the school from 5:15 to 8:45 probably. "But everyone's going!" Then you better get your homework done by the time we get home at 4:55 p.m., I said.
When I called him when we were about 10 minutes away, he wasn't done but said he would bring it with to school and finish it there before the high school game. (How motivated!) I said he also better play in Pep Band, too, as long as he was going to be there early. He agreed but quite reluctantly -- I guess because it would cut into time with the girls.
How do I know this? Not really any super detective work. Just walked into the house and it smelled like someone took a bath in cologne.
Apparently that is what boys do to kill their cooties because the 4 girls that hovered around him at the game were not afraid.
Darn it all. Not afraid one bit.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Trust Fund
I used to think I had control issues. Oh, I still might, but I am learning that it is not necessarily that I want to control everything. It's that I don't trust others to do it right or do it the way I would. Still a little bit controlling, but a more a lack of faith in others.
I suppose it's fine to feel this way about people. I mean they sort of have to prove themselves to us sometimes to earn our trust and faith, right?
But it's not OK to feel this way about God. To question Him. To doubt Him. And, shame on us, to lose Faith in Him and His plans for us.
I'm embarrassed to admit it, but that's what I've been doing since the new calendar went up on the wall. So much seems to be happening to Me. Like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum, I wonder, "Why me?!" I got a phone call from one of my doctors the other day with some news that took me by surprise. My first thought was: "Really God? You're just going to pile it on, aren't You?"
Even though this new twist could prove to be nothing, it added a layer of self-pity to my mood while simultaneously stripping away a layer of trust in my future. And well, God.
That's when hubby shared the following with me. It was posted on Facebook by someone named Suzan Bayorgeon. I do not know if she authored this or someone else did and she was just sharing it. Either way, it's brilliant and the mark hit home immediately. Maybe this will speak to you as well...
Me: God, can I ask You a question?
God: Sure
Me: Promise You won't get mad
God: I promise
Me: Why did You let so much stuff happen to me today?
God: What do u mean?
Me: Well, I woke up late
God: Yes
Me: My car took forever to start
God: Okay
Me: at lunch they made my sandwich wrong & I had to wait
God: Huummm
Me: On the way home, my phone went DEAD, just as I picked up a call
God: All right
Me: And on top of it all off, when I got home ~I just want to soak my feet in my new foot massager & relax. BUT it wouldn't work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did You do that?
God: Let me see, the death angel was at your bed this morning & I had to send one of My Angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that
Me (humbled): OH
GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.
Me: (ashamed)
God: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick & I didn't want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work.
Me (embarrassed): Okay
God: Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was going to give false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered.
Me (softly): I see God
God: Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.
Me: I'm Sorry God
God: Don't be sorry, just learn to Trust Me.... in All things , the Good & the bad.
Me: I will trust You.
God: And don't doubt that My plan for your day is Always Better than your plan.
Me: I won't God. And let me just tell you God, Thank You for Everything today.
God: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I Love looking after My Children...
I suppose it's fine to feel this way about people. I mean they sort of have to prove themselves to us sometimes to earn our trust and faith, right?
But it's not OK to feel this way about God. To question Him. To doubt Him. And, shame on us, to lose Faith in Him and His plans for us.
I'm embarrassed to admit it, but that's what I've been doing since the new calendar went up on the wall. So much seems to be happening to Me. Like a toddler throwing a temper tantrum, I wonder, "Why me?!" I got a phone call from one of my doctors the other day with some news that took me by surprise. My first thought was: "Really God? You're just going to pile it on, aren't You?"
Even though this new twist could prove to be nothing, it added a layer of self-pity to my mood while simultaneously stripping away a layer of trust in my future. And well, God.
That's when hubby shared the following with me. It was posted on Facebook by someone named Suzan Bayorgeon. I do not know if she authored this or someone else did and she was just sharing it. Either way, it's brilliant and the mark hit home immediately. Maybe this will speak to you as well...
Me: God, can I ask You a question?
God: Sure
Me: Promise You won't get mad
God: I promise
Me: Why did You let so much stuff happen to me today?
God: What do u mean?
Me: Well, I woke up late
God: Yes
Me: My car took forever to start
God: Okay
Me: at lunch they made my sandwich wrong & I had to wait
God: Huummm
Me: On the way home, my phone went DEAD, just as I picked up a call
God: All right
Me: And on top of it all off, when I got home ~I just want to soak my feet in my new foot massager & relax. BUT it wouldn't work!!! Nothing went right today! Why did You do that?
God: Let me see, the death angel was at your bed this morning & I had to send one of My Angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that
Me (humbled): OH
GOD: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that would have hit you if you were on the road.
Me: (ashamed)
God: The first person who made your sandwich today was sick & I didn't want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work.
Me (embarrassed): Okay
God: Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was going to give false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered.
Me (softly): I see God
God: Oh and that foot massager, it had a shortage that was going to throw out all of the power in your house tonight. I didn't think you wanted to be in the dark.
Me: I'm Sorry God
God: Don't be sorry, just learn to Trust Me.... in All things , the Good & the bad.
Me: I will trust You.
God: And don't doubt that My plan for your day is Always Better than your plan.
Me: I won't God. And let me just tell you God, Thank You for Everything today.
God: You're welcome child. It was just another day being your God and I Love looking after My Children...
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
I Got the Music in Me...
There's only one kind of scale a fluffy girl like me appreciates.
A musical scale.
I love music. I can sing -- when no one's listening. And I can dance -- like nobody's watching. I am 100% typical girl when it comes to liking TV shows like Glee and just about any Broadway musical.
Although we are not a cultural Mecca, we are fortunate in central Wisconsin that Broadway tours its shows through Appleton (70 minutes away), Madison (90 minutes away) and Minneapolis (a 3-hour hike that is always worth it).
This "season" has been a good one at the Appleton Performing Arts Center. My friend Christine and I saw Les Miserables in November, will see Mary Poppins a month from today and, with fresh tickets in hand, we will now see West Side Story on April 24! What an exciting lineup of fun!
But wait, there's more...
I am also counting down 82 days 'til my twin sister and I see Mamma Mia! in Minneapolis! That will be exciting for 3 reasons: 1) We both love that musical (and know every word of it!). 2) I think this will be Raylene's first Broadway show. And 3) I will get to spend a whole day with my true other half! Can't wait.
With all the blues (sans rhythm) I've been experiencing in 2012, I'm glad I have these uplifting performances to look forward to! It does put a spring in my step.
Plus I know that in between all these big shows there's at least one middle school band concert on the horizon, and there's always Glee on Tuesdays (starting in 9 minutes).
I better go warm up!
A musical scale.
I love music. I can sing -- when no one's listening. And I can dance -- like nobody's watching. I am 100% typical girl when it comes to liking TV shows like Glee and just about any Broadway musical.
Although we are not a cultural Mecca, we are fortunate in central Wisconsin that Broadway tours its shows through Appleton (70 minutes away), Madison (90 minutes away) and Minneapolis (a 3-hour hike that is always worth it).
This "season" has been a good one at the Appleton Performing Arts Center. My friend Christine and I saw Les Miserables in November, will see Mary Poppins a month from today and, with fresh tickets in hand, we will now see West Side Story on April 24! What an exciting lineup of fun!
But wait, there's more...
I am also counting down 82 days 'til my twin sister and I see Mamma Mia! in Minneapolis! That will be exciting for 3 reasons: 1) We both love that musical (and know every word of it!). 2) I think this will be Raylene's first Broadway show. And 3) I will get to spend a whole day with my true other half! Can't wait.
With all the blues (sans rhythm) I've been experiencing in 2012, I'm glad I have these uplifting performances to look forward to! It does put a spring in my step.
Plus I know that in between all these big shows there's at least one middle school band concert on the horizon, and there's always Glee on Tuesdays (starting in 9 minutes).
I better go warm up!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Off Season
The day after the Superbowl should really just be a national holiday. Because no matter who plays in it, we all stay up to watch the whole thing -- plus post-game this and that -- and stumble into work on Monday very tired. It's officially off season for everybody.
When Carter still had his stomach issues this morning, it certainly was tempting to shut the alarm clock off and stay home with him. But we went to work and told him to go back to bed. He slept until 10 and felt better. Than ate some breakfast and felt even better. So we had Grandpa Austin drive out to pick him up and take him to school.
Hopefully this means that this nasty flu bug Carter and I keep re-gifting to each other is gone!
I feel a bit better, too. Was feeling under the weather all weekend -- but put on a brave face and fought through it in the name of scrapbooking. I felt well enough to go ride a bike at noon (a stationary one indoors at the fitness center). And now just want to go to bed early -- as I have said the last 10 nights -- and really do it this time.
We only had two things on the agenda tonight: 1) Watch The Voice, a great show, and 2) officially register Carter for his 9th-grade classes, a bit of a fight since he claims only one, yes one, 8th-grader is going out for band next year so now he doesn't want to. This is where I use the parenting logic and say, "Dad and I say you are playing in band. You aren't old enough to make smart decisions." .... especially when it revolves around what all the girls are doing or not doing. I didn't say that part, but we know what motivates a 13-year-old boy!
So with those two things accomplished -- one far easier than the other -- it's bed time! Let the healing begin.
When Carter still had his stomach issues this morning, it certainly was tempting to shut the alarm clock off and stay home with him. But we went to work and told him to go back to bed. He slept until 10 and felt better. Than ate some breakfast and felt even better. So we had Grandpa Austin drive out to pick him up and take him to school.
Hopefully this means that this nasty flu bug Carter and I keep re-gifting to each other is gone!
I feel a bit better, too. Was feeling under the weather all weekend -- but put on a brave face and fought through it in the name of scrapbooking. I felt well enough to go ride a bike at noon (a stationary one indoors at the fitness center). And now just want to go to bed early -- as I have said the last 10 nights -- and really do it this time.
We only had two things on the agenda tonight: 1) Watch The Voice, a great show, and 2) officially register Carter for his 9th-grade classes, a bit of a fight since he claims only one, yes one, 8th-grader is going out for band next year so now he doesn't want to. This is where I use the parenting logic and say, "Dad and I say you are playing in band. You aren't old enough to make smart decisions." .... especially when it revolves around what all the girls are doing or not doing. I didn't say that part, but we know what motivates a 13-year-old boy!
So with those two things accomplished -- one far easier than the other -- it's bed time! Let the healing begin.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Game Plan
Much like the Giants and Patriots, I was prepped for this weekend with a specific game plan for success. And much like the new Superbowl champions, I executed it just enough to be successful.
I pretty much should draw the line right there comparing scrapbooking and football. I will add, though, that it can be physically demanding, grueling perhaps... mainly on the back. I was actually so tired last night that by the time I got home, I just went straight to the locker room (er, bed) and bypassed the post-game press conference (blog).
So in case you missed the boxscore, I completed 27 pages for the weekend -- 3 shy of finishing my 2011 album. I just couldn't accept that performance, so I went into overtime when I got home this afternoon and did those last pages. Game over. 2011 scrapbook done.
Just in time so I could relax and enjoy the commercials, er Superbowl. (It's the only time you take bathroom breaks during the game so you don't miss the commercials!)
Jim was at a party so Carter and I got to compare notes on all the commercials -- and football plays. We didn't really care who won but we can tell you we liked the Dorito's commercials and M&M's, among others, and enjoyed the halftime show... mainly because it was an '80s singer and I knew the songs.
Carter: "How long has Madonna been singing?"
Me: "Since I was a little bit older than you."
Carter: "Wow."
I don't know if the "wow" was for her talent (even if it was lip-synced today) or the fact that she must be really old if Mom was a young teen when she started singing!
Oh the fun of Game Day!
And football was pretty exciting, too.
I pretty much should draw the line right there comparing scrapbooking and football. I will add, though, that it can be physically demanding, grueling perhaps... mainly on the back. I was actually so tired last night that by the time I got home, I just went straight to the locker room (er, bed) and bypassed the post-game press conference (blog).
So in case you missed the boxscore, I completed 27 pages for the weekend -- 3 shy of finishing my 2011 album. I just couldn't accept that performance, so I went into overtime when I got home this afternoon and did those last pages. Game over. 2011 scrapbook done.
Just in time so I could relax and enjoy the commercials, er Superbowl. (It's the only time you take bathroom breaks during the game so you don't miss the commercials!)
Jim was at a party so Carter and I got to compare notes on all the commercials -- and football plays. We didn't really care who won but we can tell you we liked the Dorito's commercials and M&M's, among others, and enjoyed the halftime show... mainly because it was an '80s singer and I knew the songs.
Carter: "How long has Madonna been singing?"
Me: "Since I was a little bit older than you."
Carter: "Wow."
I don't know if the "wow" was for her talent (even if it was lip-synced today) or the fact that she must be really old if Mom was a young teen when she started singing!
Oh the fun of Game Day!
And football was pretty exciting, too.
Friday, February 3, 2012
TGIsF (Thank God it's Scrappin' Friday)
It's way past my bedtime (again) so I'll just be brief.
Carter returned to school today so he could enjoy his field trip to the indoor water park. So I rode with Jim to work and he drove me over to Stevens Point during lunch so I could get scrapping. I wasn't feeling that great, but we stopped for a Shamrock Shake on the way and that seemed to do the trick. Who knew about the healing powers of fake mint??
As luck (and I mean luck) would have it, when my scrap sister Jenny arrived at the retreat several hours later, she was carrying in a Shamrock Shake. Make that two -- one was for me! OK, my diet certainly doesn't call for 2 in one day. Thankfully they were small.
And they are good medicine!
I did feel better and kept focused. I am working on my 2011 book right. Got 10 pages done today so I am right on schedule -- according to my own personal expectations, that is. So now I just need a quick 8 hours of sleep so I can head back up there in the morning.
There's a good chance I'll dream about scrapbooking tonight. But an even greater chance I'll dream about little green leprechauns!
Carter returned to school today so he could enjoy his field trip to the indoor water park. So I rode with Jim to work and he drove me over to Stevens Point during lunch so I could get scrapping. I wasn't feeling that great, but we stopped for a Shamrock Shake on the way and that seemed to do the trick. Who knew about the healing powers of fake mint??
As luck (and I mean luck) would have it, when my scrap sister Jenny arrived at the retreat several hours later, she was carrying in a Shamrock Shake. Make that two -- one was for me! OK, my diet certainly doesn't call for 2 in one day. Thankfully they were small.
And they are good medicine!
I did feel better and kept focused. I am working on my 2011 book right. Got 10 pages done today so I am right on schedule -- according to my own personal expectations, that is. So now I just need a quick 8 hours of sleep so I can head back up there in the morning.
There's a good chance I'll dream about scrapbooking tonight. But an even greater chance I'll dream about little green leprechauns!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Groundhog Day
When I think of Groundhog Day, I rarely think of the furry little critters who claim to know whether Spring will have an early arrival. Frankly, in Wisconsin -- where it happens to feel like
Spring today -- we know we can't count on it officially (as in no more snow for months) until Mother's Day.
Instead, I always think of that old movie Groundhog Day, where the main character keeps re-living February 2nd over and over and over again.
Today is one February 2nd I wouldn't want to live over again. Carter wouldn't either.
As predicted, in the middle of the night, Carter got up to empty the contents of his stomach. Poor kid. When we got up for work, he was no better, so I worked from home today so I could keep an eye on him. I wasn't feeling too hot myself so I don't know if I gave it to him after my flu on Sunday and now he gave it right back to me or what. As far as I know, we aren't supposed to give each other anything for Groundhog Day.
He did sleep until early afternoon so I was able to get plenty of work done. That was good. He felt better but quite weak so I just focused on getting him rehydrated and gradually getting food in him for energy. He's nibbled a bit here and there and is eating something now. He did miss his last regular season basketball game tonight. (I hear they won and did fine without him.) Hopefully he'll be OK in the morning since he's got his field trip to a water park tomorrow.
Tomorrow I have a "field trip" too. I'm going scrapping in Stevens Point this weekend -- not staying overnight, just coming and going each day. I have Friday afternoon off and had planned to work from home in the a.m. However, since I didn't get in today I really have a few things at my desk I need to be there for to complete. So if Carter is OK tomorrow, I'll head to work then Point in the early afternoon.
So tonight I had to get my last few things packed up. I'm so glad I did most of that 10 days ago. It took less than an hour -- and that included looking up a few details on some blogs. So I'm set to go.
And crossing my fingers that when we wake up in the morning, it will be February 3rd.
Spring today -- we know we can't count on it officially (as in no more snow for months) until Mother's Day.
Instead, I always think of that old movie Groundhog Day, where the main character keeps re-living February 2nd over and over and over again.
Today is one February 2nd I wouldn't want to live over again. Carter wouldn't either.
As predicted, in the middle of the night, Carter got up to empty the contents of his stomach. Poor kid. When we got up for work, he was no better, so I worked from home today so I could keep an eye on him. I wasn't feeling too hot myself so I don't know if I gave it to him after my flu on Sunday and now he gave it right back to me or what. As far as I know, we aren't supposed to give each other anything for Groundhog Day.
He did sleep until early afternoon so I was able to get plenty of work done. That was good. He felt better but quite weak so I just focused on getting him rehydrated and gradually getting food in him for energy. He's nibbled a bit here and there and is eating something now. He did miss his last regular season basketball game tonight. (I hear they won and did fine without him.) Hopefully he'll be OK in the morning since he's got his field trip to a water park tomorrow.
Tomorrow I have a "field trip" too. I'm going scrapping in Stevens Point this weekend -- not staying overnight, just coming and going each day. I have Friday afternoon off and had planned to work from home in the a.m. However, since I didn't get in today I really have a few things at my desk I need to be there for to complete. So if Carter is OK tomorrow, I'll head to work then Point in the early afternoon.
So tonight I had to get my last few things packed up. I'm so glad I did most of that 10 days ago. It took less than an hour -- and that included looking up a few details on some blogs. So I'm set to go.
And crossing my fingers that when we wake up in the morning, it will be February 3rd.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Let's Try This Again
I was almost shocked today to realize that January has come and gone already. With all the sickness and drama and such, I honest to God have lost a month. So I flipped the calendar page and thought, OK 2012, I'm giving you one more chance... Can we please start my Happy New Year now??
It doesn't hurt to ask.
It does seem like we could be on the right path. Finally.
Although I have had a few uncomfortably warm moments in overstuffed classrooms and gymnasiums recently, for the most part, I am getting better. Thanks to my witch doctor, my anxiety levels when driving and shopping and just plain old "existing" are getting lower by the day.
I even returned to the fitness center this week so I could ease back into my former life as a person who could exercise enough to produce those happy sought-after endorphins. As anxious as I am, I am not going to go overboard and overdo anything and risk injury. We'll just take it one day at a time. Like everything else.
I'd love to report that we as a household are finally ready to take on 2012, albeit a month late. But we're not quite there yet.
As I type, Carter is laying in bed with a wicked stomachache we hope goes away so he can get his homework done tonight, go to school tomorrow and enjoy a field trip to a water park on Friday.
But like I said, one day at a time. Or one hour if we have to.
We will get to you yet, 2012. We will!
It doesn't hurt to ask.
It does seem like we could be on the right path. Finally.
Although I have had a few uncomfortably warm moments in overstuffed classrooms and gymnasiums recently, for the most part, I am getting better. Thanks to my witch doctor, my anxiety levels when driving and shopping and just plain old "existing" are getting lower by the day.
I even returned to the fitness center this week so I could ease back into my former life as a person who could exercise enough to produce those happy sought-after endorphins. As anxious as I am, I am not going to go overboard and overdo anything and risk injury. We'll just take it one day at a time. Like everything else.
I'd love to report that we as a household are finally ready to take on 2012, albeit a month late. But we're not quite there yet.
As I type, Carter is laying in bed with a wicked stomachache we hope goes away so he can get his homework done tonight, go to school tomorrow and enjoy a field trip to a water park on Friday.
But like I said, one day at a time. Or one hour if we have to.
We will get to you yet, 2012. We will!
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